the death-blow was -- knew it from his encounter
with the white. He must inflict it first, lest the
gray anticipate him, for the gray undoubtedly
knew, also, from his experience and from his
ancestors, what the death-blow was.

After a moment of gasping breath and gradually
clearing eyes he felt self-control and assurance
return. Since his enemy appeared to be
waiting, he himself continued to wait. He waited
three minutes, five minutes, ten, until the nervous
tension would permit him to wait no longer.
Remembering his plans, and emulating the first
approach of the gray, he started slowly toward
him, putting forward one foot after another
quietly, his eyes upon the distant horizon. He
even outdid the gray in his craft. As he drew
near, he suddenly took on the manner of one
--?? seeking friendliness, nickering once softly, as if
he had had enough of this and would ask reconciliation.
But his ruse failed. The gray was wise with
the wisdom of the world-free. Plunging suddenly
upon him, he snapped for his ears, but missed.
His teeth flashed at Pat's neck, lodged, and ripped
the flesh. He whirled, lashed out with his heels,
missed, and sped away. Pat wheeled again and
again, almost overthrown, and staggered away.
Again he took council with himself. He was
not beaten, he knew that. But neither was the
enemy beaten. He knew that also. And he
knew he must bide his time. Twice he had closed
with the enemy, and twice he had come away the
worse. Nothing was to be gained by this method.

[[275]]

p274 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p275w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p276

v?